Darwin - Supply of 2026-27 Service Care Plan for equipment in the laboratories at Berrimah Farm Science Precinct

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, through the Berrimah Farm Science Precinct (BFSP) laboratories, has a current Service Care Plan with A.E. Atherton & Sons Pty Ltd (Atherton) expiring on 30 June 2026. Due to the late provision of a new contract by Atherton, services will continue for one month after 30 June 2026 to enable signing of the 2026-27 Service Care Plan

The Service Care Plan uses the Supplier’s conditions of contract and ensures that the Autoclaves meet National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) standards, which if not met, would lead to the waste management system being stopped and potentially result in the agency losing accreditation from NATA. Berrimah Farm Science Precinct laboratories and other Northern Territory Government laboratories have used Atherton for this purpose for more than 25 years. This 2026-27 Service Care Plan will continue the services provided under the existing Service Care Plan. Atherton manufactured the sterilisation equipment used in the BFSP laboratories and is the sole supplier of the service and maintenance of the Autoclaves